Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 55 ==Engagement==

"Are you sure about this, Master?"

Cancer's voice was soft but heavy with doubt. I turned slowly toward the carriage window, watching the scenery blur past as we journeyed toward the Northern Kingdom.

The plan was already in motion—there was no turning back now. To infiltrate the kingdom, I needed to marry the king. That was the only way. Their traditions required the future queen to reside within the kingdom for a full month before the ceremony. One month inside the lion's den, in the most dangerous kingdom on the continent. One month to find the seal. Or the subordinate.

"I'm sure," I murmured, voice quiet, distant. "It's too late to take back what I've told the king. We've come too far. There's no point in hesitating now."

I inhaled deeply, pretending to be calm, but inside... I was terrified. I knew the king—Lex. I knew what he was capable of. I'd known him in our past life. And I remembered how that ended.

He killed me.

What if history repeats itself?

"Then what about Kian?"

His name shattered my thoughts. Scorpio's voice pierced through me like a knife. I whipped my head toward her.

"He... doesn't exist to me anymore." I forced the words out with a cold, emotionless tone. "That's how it has to be. I won't allow myself to be entangled with another man while preparing to marry the king."

I kept my expression stiff, like stone. If they saw a single crack, it would all fall apart.

Scorpio's glare didn't waver. "So that's it? More lies? Can't you think for yourself for once, Master? It's obvious you don't want this. If you hate it that much, then just run away."

Her red eyes locked onto mine. Unforgiving.

"I don't have the luxury to follow my heart," I said firmly, avoiding her gaze, staring instead at the jagged rocks littering the path to the kingdom. "My mind leads. My heart doesn't matter."

Silence fell inside the carriage. Heavy, tense, like a storm waiting to break. No one spoke. Not even Virgo, who would usually argue. Maybe she understood now. Maybe she finally accepted that I had already made my choice.

"We're almost at the gates," Capricorn announced.

I looked out the window and froze.

The kingdom... wasn't at all how I imagined it. Not dark. Not cold. Not the bleak, lifeless place described in the old books. It was dazzling. Extravagant. Alive.

"Is that what I think it is?" Aries gasped, pointing out the window.

We all turned. My stomach dropped.

"It says 'Welcome Our Future Queen'?" Virgo's voice trembled.

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. My mind struggled to make sense of the words, of the banners, of the flower petals scattered along the streets like they were welcoming someone they loved. Someone they trusted.

Me.

"Well, it's not too late to back out now," Scorpio teased, smirking.

I shot her a glare. Of course, she wasn't fazed.

"Is this even the right place?" Gemi and Mini spoke in unison, their ancient eyes wide with childlike wonder.

"It's the Northern Kingdom, alright," Cancer said, laughing awkwardly. "Though... they really cleaned it up."

"They really dolled the place up," Libra added, forcing a chuckle. "For a second, I thought we entered the wrong world."

"Not a bad makeover," Leo said in her usual elegant tone. "Though I preferred the old one."

"Turn invisible," Sagittarius ordered, then paused. "No... don't bother. Just stay. They're... celebrating."

Celebrating me.

I blinked, overwhelmed. The streets were full of people. Flower petals rained down like blessings. Laughter. Music. Cheers. The banners... confetti... smiles...

They actually wanted me to be their queen.

"Master, I believe you should greet them," Virgo urged.

"Do I have to?" I asked weakly, not ready to show my face—not when my mind was still reeling.

"You must," she insisted. "You need their hearts if you want their loyalty."

I sighed. "Fine."

I reached for the carriage window and pushed it open. But before I could lift my hand to wave—

A trumpet blared.

I froze again.

Up ahead, standing before the palace, was the Young King. And beside him—his mother.

Queen Lilith.

My pulse thundered. The carriage came to a stop. I had no choice now.

I stepped out, supported by the coachman, flanked by Sagittarius and Cancer—now disguised as maids.

I walked slowly toward the royal family and curtsied, every muscle tight, every step rehearsed to perfection.

"Good day, Your Royal Highnesses," I said, smiling politely.

Queen Lilith smiled back, but her eyes... her eyes were hungry. I'd seen that look before. I wasn't afraid of her, not anymore.

We locked eyes—silent, dangerous. Like two queens on opposite sides of a battlefield.

Then his voice cut through the air.

"My lady."

I nearly winced.

I turned to him. Lex. The Young King.

"Yes?" I replied, smile frozen in place. His eyes were steady on me, intense, unreadable.

"You look beautiful."

I smiled.

And swallowed the scream burning in my throat.